Learn the story of the Utah War and the comforting parallels found in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Alma counseled the Nephites to “remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.” Alma also urged his people continually to remember the captivity of their fathers. This is repeated over and over in the Book of Mormon. Are we remembering the captivity of our fathers?

Watch Part 1: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GIJN2WyJuQ

Watch Part 2: Limhi & the American Civil War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx8YyYTLB_U

Shortly after founding the Church, King Noah sought to destroy the work of God, and the saints were warned by the Lord to flee from their homes into the wilderness. They found a new land and labored diligently tilling the soil and building buildings. Alma was a high priest over the Church and watched carefully over the people appointing other priests and teachers. Their peace did not last long as they were soon enslaved and persecuted by Lamanite captors. The Lord, however, in time miraculously supported and delivered His people by their flight to a new land away from their enemies.

In our own day, the early pioneers of the Church were continually harassed and persecuted for their faith. Like Alma's people, they too were forced by the government to abandon their homes—eventually finding safety in the Rocky Mountains. Their peace did not last long when a few years later, the United States government sent an army to rape, pillage, subjugate and destroy Deseret. Like Alma, however, our early forefathers were miraculously preserved.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 21: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church – Restoration & Persecution https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-21-joseph-smith-almas-church-apostasy-restoration-persecution/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/